CHINA AND JAPAN.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 17, 6 January 1863, Page 3

CHINA AND JAPAN.

We have papers to tho Ist of November from . Hong Kong. From the Overland China Ulail of that tlate, we quote the following summary of news: — The past fortnight has been marked by two successful expeditions on the part of tho allied forces against the rebol3. °The first of these was directed against the walled town of Fung-wha, about twenty-five miles from Ningpo, whither the Taepings fled on being driven from the latter city. Fung-wha had served as a stronghold from which devastating excursions were made upon tho country round about Ningpo, and, pursuing tho policy lately approved of by the English Government, tho allied forces, strengthened by a portion of " the Ward contingent," left Ningpo on tho Bth. ultimo for the purpose of capturing Fung-wha, and replacing it in tho Imperial hands. The force sent for this purpose consisted of 100 small arm men from the Encounter and Sphynx, witb three small field-pieces, and two small brass howitzers ; a small party of French and 1200 disciplined Chinese, completed the expedition, which, arrived at the seeno of action tho following clay. A breach was first attempted to be made in the walls, but the ordinance employed was too light to do this effectively. A. partial breach, however, was made, which the Chineso were ordered to storm. They met with determined opposition and had to retire. Tho small allied force were next ordered to support them ; thoy marched within fifty yards of the woll, exposed to a galling fire, which wounded twenty-four of the British and two or threo French and Chinese ; an officer of the Ward legion was also killed. Upon this the allies desisted in the attack, while Captain Dew sent to the slaips for ammunition to blow the gates open. Before this arrived, on the following day,a body of 6000 rebels were discovered approaching the city with a view to reinforce the besieged ; they wero attacked at once by the whole force of the besiogers, and driven off with somo loss. Those in the city, seeing the state of affairs, quietly withdrew during the same night, leaving Fung-wha to the attacking party. The place will bo held by an Imperial force, and supported, if necessary from Ningpo, The effect is to clear the country round that city from the marauding bands that molested it. The other expedition referred to was inado against Kuhding, whick fell on the 21th ult. j From Peking we hear that San-ko-lin^in attacked a large body of rebels in Shantung, and routed them with great slaughter ; that the rebels in Shausi had been subdued by General ShingPaou, a soldier of well-known prowess ; . and that ! trade is discouraged in the north-western provinces owing to the mandarins having a strong dislike to Prince Kung, doubtless based on the little vi^or he has thrown into his administration. Of the disaffected party, who were said to have excited distrust in the capital, we have heard nothing recen tly. | From Japan, there is no further intelligence. i A rumor to the effect that the Tycoon suggested the assistance of British arms in controlling' his unruly nobles, is not at all improbable ; it would form a most ingenious and unanswerable reply to the remonstrances addressed to him ou the subject of Mr. Richardson's murder. In the meantime, precautions are being taken against the recurrence of such accidental meetings as that of the foriegu mounted party and the procession of retainers. The end aimed at is, not that foreigners' lives may be safe, when such meetings happen, but that such rencontres may be altogether avoided. At Yedo, during tho six weeks of cholera and measles whoeh prevailed, the number of burials was 224,508. Tho Mikado is said to expect a visit from the Tycoon in the course of the winter, this is pursuant to an old suspended form of fealty that has been ordered io be sesumed. From Teiu-tsin, Chefoo, and Yiug-tsze, the news is unimportant. luShanghae, considerable stir has been caused by recont military movements. The otiicers of the various regiments are at tho greatest straits for quarters, and the commandant hns addressed the residents on the subject. It will be a strange comment on the altered state of the model settlement, if room cannot be found for the very men who are deteuding it, and so mako it what it presently is. From the ports on the Yang-tse there is no particular news. Formidable bands of marauders are said to bt plundering the districts north of Hankow. From Fuhchaw and Swatow we have no intelligence. Canton i 3 still quiet ; the defences continue to be strengthened, llouam is being put in a state of defence, and the sum of 120,000 tuels hats to be raised for the purpose. From Manilla, \va hear that important changes are to take place in January next. The new "Council of Administration" will then begin work, the royal orders for establishing and regulating it having been receiveil and published. The Council will consist of~tho Governor-General, the Archbishop and suffragan Bishop, the CommandatGeuonil of Marine, the Regent of the Tribunal of Accounts, four salaried councillors, anrl twelve honorary councillors selected from t lie most respectable and enlightened members of the community. The past fortnight has been a trying one for the shipping iv Chinese waters. The wont her has been boisterous and much damage to vessels has ensued. — Jjc.il i/ Colonist.